As Chubb reflected on the ups and downs of the past year through the rehab and recovery process from two surgeries to repair his knee, he penned an essay in the Player’s Tribune to share his story and his experience.
He has a friend that works for the Players’ Tribune, who originally reached out about the potential of sharing his story. After conversations about his recovery, Chubb decided to share his personal experience to help connect with the city of Cleveland. They wrote the essay and released the piece Wednesday morning.
“It means a lot, because people only see me on Sundays, and they don’t know what it’s been like this past year, been a lot of downs. Lot of hard work. Gives them a little insight into what’s actually been going on,” Chubb said. “Just trying to give back a little bit. I am a bit of a closed-off guy, so I thought it would be good and I thought people would appreciate me opening up a little bit, especially at a time like this.”
The piece resonated with Browns fans and increased excitement about his eventual return. Yet, Chubb has provided that spark of energy even dating back to last season.
When the Browns faced the Jets on Thursday Night Football in late December, Chubb served as the Dawg Pound Captain. As he stepped out of the tunnel, he pulled out a Batman mask and slipped it on. He then pulled the guitar out of the case as the fans in the stadium roared and smashed the guitar. Hearing the cheers and applause of the fans encapsulated to Chubb what the fanbase feels about him.
That sentiment of the fans still rings true as they await to see No. 24 run through the tunnel on gameday.
“I think it’s the people here in Cleveland that make it what it is,” Chubb said. “People here, they want to win, and they love sports here. It’s a sports town. The people here, the love they have for us and everyone in the city is what makes it special.”
